Homeopathy under attack
05/09/2007
Homeopathic organizations have hit out against "unbalanced views" on homeopathy as depicted in Channel 4's programme on homeopathy called “The Irrational Health Service”, broadcast in August. The Faculty of Homeopathy and the British Homeopathic Association say that, contrary to the impression given by the programme, there has never been more evidence for the effectiveness of homeopathy than now.
The Association says that Homeopathy works with the body's natural healing processes and has been used successfully for over 200 years. "It's safe and effective remedies are designed to stimulate the body’s own reaction to fight illness, and it is used by an ever-growing number of people. Over 100,000 medically trained doctors worldwide use homeopathy within their practice as it can be used alongside conventional medicine.
"In the programme, Professor Dawkins dismissed homeopathic doctors as being the 'enemies of reason'. In fact they are highly trained physicians who choose to integrate homeopathic treatment when appropriate for their patients, often when other treatments have not been helpful or have produced side effects. They use homeopathy because it is effective, safe and encourages patients’ responsibility for their own health."
Not all of the medical profession agrees with Professor dawkins. Many of the patients who attend one of the five homeopathic hospitals in the UK are referred there by their GP or specialist, typically for health problems that are complex, chronic and have defied treatment with conventional medicine such as rheumatic diseases, chronic fatigue or ME, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, allergies and serious skin conditions.
With an acknowledged 500 million people worldwide using homeopathy, the organisations ask: can they all be wrong and Dawkins right?
A study devoted to the use of homeopathy can be found at the first link below. A list of health care professionals qualified in homeopathy can be obtained by calling 0870 444 3950 or by visiting the second link below.